Stop interfering in policing - say Lib Dems

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th May 2008

Commenting on today's [Friday] Civitas report which finds that political interference that is alienating the police from the public, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"This damning report makes it clear that unnecessary political interference is damaging public confidence in the police.

"Ridiculous Home Office targets are forcing the police to focus on petty incidents. It is a nonsense that issuing a penalty notice for littering is of the same value as solving a murder.

"The principle of policing by consent is being seriously undermined. The situation is likely to get even worse in some communities if the ministers continue with their plans for extended pre-charge detention."